Gotham Gal

Podcasting (continued)

We are on a roll,  One every week for the last 3 weeks.   Based on the fact that we have kept blogging consistently for the past couple of years, we'll probably be pretty good on keeping up the podcast.  Like blogging, you get better as you go along.  There are a few kinks we need to work out, especially the sound system.  Our voices are lower than the songs.  Sort of like the advertisements are always louder than the programming.  Something to work on next week. 

If you want to hear it, click on Positively Tenth Street, right here.  Enjoy....

Everyone has their own New York

Everyone has their own version of what New York City is to them.  Some people never leave their neighborhood, others are all over town, others just stay in the boroughs, others only frequent top end restaurants and others only frequent the local dives. 

Emily, our middle daughter is getting bat mitzvah'd next year, so I was out and about looking for spaces yesterday.  Cory Crayn, who is an event planner and a good friend, spent the day with me schlepping around.  We bounced around in areas that we literally never go but it was obvious to us that plenty of people do. 

We went to South Street Seaport to check out Bridgewaters on Fulton Street.  We were early so we went over to the food court.  I don't think I have been there since it opened and neither had Cory.  To us, this was not our New York City.  We felt like we were in a different city but to plenty of people this is their hood.  The place was definitely hopping with people. 

Then we hopped in a cab and went up to see space at The Intrepid.  I have never been there.  Of course I have seen it a million times driving up or down the Westside Highway but I have never been to the museum.  The place was packed.  We felt like we were tourists in another town. 

We got to see a variety of spaces which is always interesting.  But, the best part was really going into neighborhoods that I never ever experience.  At the end of the day, I have my New York City.  The museums that I like, the galleries that I like, the type of restaurants I enjoy, the shops that I frequent, the neighborhood I live in, the movie theaters I generally go to, the places in the theater district I grab a bite or a drink.  That is my NYC on a daily basis but I always love exploring new places, new neighborhoods because you never know, that could be my next hang out. 

The Pillowman

The Pillowman  has had some of the best reviews that a Broadway play has had in a long time.  The NYTimes basically said it was a must see.  I got tickets when I re-upped our subscription at the Manhattan Theater Club.  I was thrilled because the seats were very hard to come by. 

I want to say I loved it because the acting was so superb, but the story line is a bit haunting to say the least.  So, it is hard to love the content.  The play is dark and disturbing but at times comical and clever.  The playwright, Martin McDonagh, has won a variety of awards from his first play and onward.  Although I have never seen other plays of his, the titles all seem a bit dark.  He might be dark but he is one helluva clever writer.

Everyone's performance in this play is stellar.  Billy Crudup, who I saw in The Elephant Man a few years back, is one of the best actors of his time.  He commands the stage even when he is just sitting idle.  He goes from crying to happy to brooding.  Jeff Goldblum, who I have been a fan of forever, is also excellent.  He plays the good cop role with a dark twist perfectly.  There are other fine performances by Michael Stuhlbarg as the retarded deeply disturbed brother so well that it would be hard to imagine him as anything else.  Zeljko Ivanek, plays the bad cop who is also disturbed.  Every character in this group has many layers that come across in their performances.

The story line is of a 2 brothers.  One raised as the perfect child, the other also raised as the perfect child until the parents begin torturing him for 7 years in his room while the other child listens on not knowing that there actually is another child.  Needless to say, these kids grow up into very fucked up adults.  The younger brother, played by Billy Crudup,  a writer who writes incredibly haunting and disturbing stories.  The play takes place in a jail where him and his brother are being held on the killing of children. 

Based on that story line, you have to wonder why I'd love the play.  The whole world is so dysfunctional but this play is a glimpse into nature vs. nurture.  You read about horrific stories in our media driven society daily.  We have become almost immune to the horror of it all.  This play takes this to another level.  You like the characters but are repulsed by them at the same time.  You feel for them but realize how evil they are.  Yet have they been made evil or were they just born that way.  The cops also have horrific tales in their pasts.  I guess questioning, doesn't everyone have something in their closet? 

All and all, a very clever, deeply disturbing, fine performance.  I loved it.

Cafe Loup

We have been patrons of Cafe Loup for at least 15-18 years.  We were there before they renovated, which was probably over 10-12 years ago.  The place is a classic. 

To us, Cafe Loup is our neighborhood restaurant, years ago we actually traveled to go there.  The food is always good.  The ultimate bistro.  You can't go wrong.  There is always a list of specials.  The duck special, which is on their frequently is fantastic.  The mussels are always a bit hit.  You can't go wrong with steak.  The french fries are thin and crispy.  The fish is always good too.  They keep the menu fresh and the entrees up with the latest trends,  For instance, they will make a fish with a miso sauce. The plate is always well balanced.  Protein, starch and vegetables. 

The wine list is good.  The scotch list is long.  Oysters are always available.  The salads are simple and good.  Honestly, I have never had a bad meal there.  That is probably why they have survived through all the different trends in New York City.  My guess, Cafe Loup could be around as long as the owners (who couldn't be nicer) decide they have had enough.  I am just glad they are still open and just around the corner. 

Ben Kweller/Fountains of Wayne

Toady was supposed to be a beautiful day in May but instead it was cold and rainy and miserable.  Major drag.  We had tickets to see Ben Kweller and Fountains of Wayne in Central Park to support Sing for the Children.  An organization that supports over 17,000 homeless children in New York City, that is over 40% of the homeless in New York City today.  This event also benefits Association to Benefit Children, Bailey House, The Children's Aid Society, HELPUSA, Homes for the Homeless and Women in Need.  If you click through on any of these links, you can't help but think, thank god for organizations like this.  They are all doing wonderful work for people in need.  Hopefully not only have they have saved one life they have saved many lives. 

Needless to say, because of the crappy weather, the turnout today was pour but luckily the organization sells tickets prior to the day of the event, so rain or shine, they probably hit their goals.  We were one of the few die-hards who showed up in the rain to watch the concert.  Our friends showed up too.  We can't find a day to get together for dinner but we can all manage to get a concert.  Kind of funny.  Regardless, Ben Kweller rocked.  They literally had to tell him his time was up to get him off the stage.  He played old songs and new songs.  The guy is seriously talented.  He probably thinks about new music all the time.  I like his lyrics and his sounds.  He is what, 22 years old if a day.  He is from Texas and now lives in Brooklyn.  I'm looking forward to his next album and what he does over the course of his guaranteed long career. 

Next up, Fountains of Wayne.  I've seen these guys about 4-5 times in concert already.  I know all the lyrics, so I can't help but sing along.  They are the kings of the 3 minute pop song.  They are releasing a new album in a few weeks.  These guys are like a high school band that finally hit it after sticking together until they hit their 40's.  Maybe that is what I like about them.  The brother of the lead singer was standing with us out in the rain, talking to us, with his kid on his shoulders and taking pictures of his brother.  A real family event. 

We left soaking and happy.  We will all probably come down with brutal colds in the next week, but it was worth it.  There is really nothing like an outdoor concert in Central Park among the trees, the rain and the die-hard audience and the tickets sales all going to a good cause. 

boys in the band

boys in the band
Originally uploaded by GothamGal'sPhotos.

There is nothing quite like being serenaded by your good friends. These guys have been singing Bruce together for many years. We actually have quite a few friends who sing and play guitar and piano. It is always a highlight of the evening to hang out with them and get everyone singing along. Their families are musical too. On occasion, and only on occasion, I have actually picked up the guitar and jumped in. Yes, many years of music in me, I actually taught guitar lessons in my earlier years.

Yet, I always look forward to watching these 2 guys, who are also partners in business, entertain the crowd. Their talents never cease to amaze me.

Snow Patrol

Went to see Snow Patrol at Roseland Ballroom on Friday night.  We had four tickets, thanks to our friend, and the big decision was...who gets to go?  After all, there are 5 of us.  After much discussion, it was decided that I would go with the girls and see if my sister wanted to join us. 

First we had dinner at Milos.  Great greek salad, grilled octopus, grilled shrimp, calamari.  The prices are astronomical but the food is top.  After dins, we walked over to Roseland. 

We got to the Ballroom around 9:15.  The place was packed.  Snow Patrol had already played about 3 songs.  The only way we were going to see anything was to make our way up to the front.  I looked at the girls and said, "follow me".  We weaved and bobbed through the crowd and basically got up to the front on the left side of the stage.  We could at least breath over there and see the band. 

I really love their one and only album.  The songs are short.  They aren't great live because they really have yet to grasp performing live.  At least that is what it looked like to me.  The best part of going to a concert of a group that has only put out one album is that the audience are generally the die-hards fans.  They basically know every song. 

When Snow Patrol played Run, the audience knew every word.  The lead singer loved it.  At one point, he just stopped singing.  The audience just kept going.  That was very cool.   

The best part is really taking our kids to see live concerts.  Great venue, although the sound system is fair but seeing them live is a great thing.  I will honestly say that this time, I was the oldest person in the crowd.  Hey, what can I say??

Podcast

Fun podcast this week.  We had a busy week.  Concerts, bat mitzvahs, movies, parties, food.  The life around the town with a little music intertwined.  Enjoy. 

Click here to listen to the May 21st Positively 10th Street show.

Outdoor Furniture

I have been in the market for outdoor furniture.  This is not the easiest thing to find in NYC.  Most of the stuff I found was not that interesting, more traditional than modern and cheesy looking. 

I found a company,  pouring through Elle Decor and Metropolitan Home, named DelGreco and Company.  I wasn't sure you could just walk in and buy without being part of the trade (interior designer, architect, etc.) so I called Kevin Isbell who was the assistant on my last project to take me in.  He is wonderful and I highly recommend him.  He is just starting out in the business.  He has a great eye, and he listens to you and is incredibly organized.  All assets. 

DelGreco has a wonderful showroom on East 59th street between 2/3rd avenue.  Loads of outdoor furniture.  I immediately zeroed on in an incredible line.  Of course, as my husband would say,  "let me guess, it was the most expensive line in the place".  Yes, it was. Regardless of expensive, these chairs were beyond comfortable and they are beautifully made. They also come with out the side arms.  Truly pieces of art.  They will look as modern today as they will in 30 years.  The chairs are made in Cyprus and the wood is cured in the Mediterranean for 6 months.  Check out the metal framing.  Unfortunately, the cost was way too high for what I wanted to spend.  Although I am still dreaming about these chairs. 

I did end up with chairs though.  I already had a table, similar to the one in the picture.  My chairs of course I wanted yesterday but have to wait 12 weeks.  Oh well.  That's one of the downfalls of furniture.  I am looking forward to lounging in these chairs and having people over for another outdoor barbecue. 

Looks good right? 

Lure Fishbar

We lived in the Mercer Hotel for 6 weeks, 6 years ago.  A new hot restaurant across the street had opened when we were there.  It was Canteen, on the corner of Mercer and Prince.  It was downstairs and very groovy.  Mod 60's look in orange and browns with comfort food.  It was good but not great. 

Canteen closed and Lure Fishbar took its place.  I have tried to walk in before but the place was so packed, it wasn't happening.  Last night, we tried again at an earlier hour and had no problems getting a seat at the bar. 

We started with some oysters at the bar.  The oysters were fantastic.  We had Kumamotos and Malpecs.  My two favorite oysters.  We also shared the Fishbar tasting for 2.  The new sushi originally concieved by David Pasternack, chef and part-owner of Esca.  Raw fish served with different seasonings that compliment the fish.  The fish at Lure was fresh and tasty but nothing "wowed" me. 

The artic char was cut in a medium sized cube topped with a trout roe and a creamy horseradish sauce.  The sauce overpowered the taste of the fish.  Most of them were like that, overpowered.  The scallop was served with cherry tomatoes, ginger and radishes.  This was the best one.  The flavors were light and enhanced the taste of the scallop as it should.  We did not have a main course so it is really hard to access the restaurant.

As a kid, I spent a fair amount of time at in ports.  My father is a sailor, loves boats.  My experiences, as I recall, were not as exciting as my fathers.  Truth be known, if I never get on a sailboat again in my life that would be fine with me.  I bring this up because the Lure is in the basement of a building with high street windows and the decor of a boat.  You really feel like you are in a boat when you are there.  A high end boat, obviously.  As we left, I said to Fred, I feel like we just left a harbor and honestly, I don't want to return.  He agreed.